Managing Soft Power and Hard Power in a World of Dynamic Geopolitical Change

This event is open to members of the Atlantik-Brücke only.

Building on four decades of constructive bilateral exchange, this year’s German-Canadian Conference will once again convene senior decision-makers to address the defining strategic questions of our time. As Prime Minister Mark Carney emphasized in Davos at the World Economic Forum, economic security, climate stability, and technological leadership are increasingly interconnected. In an era of geopolitical rivalry and economic fragmentation, trusted partnerships among democratic allies are essential to resilience and long-term prosperity.

Germany and Canada, closely aligned through NATO and their deep trade integration under CETA, combine complementary strengths in both hard and soft power. Both are reinforcing defense capabilities, securing critical supply chains, and investing in energy security and technological sovereignty. At the same time, Germany’s and Canada’s diplomatic credibility, development cooperation, innovation ecosystems, academic exchange, and cultural ties enhance their ability to shape norms, build coalitions, and uphold a rules-based international order.

We would like to thank the Embassy of Canada to Germany for the hospitality and Atlantik-Brücke Canada for the great cooperation.